Philadelphia taps Earthlink for Wi-Fi system

updated 9:10 a.m. ET Oct. 4, 2005

PHILADELPHIA - Philadelphia is one step closer to its goal to set up a high-speed wireless Internet system for city residents.

A panel tapped by Philadelphia's mayor has chosen Earthlink over Hewlett-Packard to do the job.

The city's chief information officer says Earthlink would pay for construction and maintenance.

A contract is expected to be signed within 60 days.

Rates for private wireless access should run about 20 dollars a month, and the amount would be half that for low-income residents.

Citywide Wi-Fi networks are envisioned by dozens of communities across the country.  San Francisco, Portland, Oregon, Minneapolis and Orlando, Florida are among those also working on similar concepts.

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